Read my previous post: WOW Philippines Part 1/2
Manila is a highly urbanized city and was going on a tour of the city through a tourist agency. I started my day with a simple breakfast consisting of bread, cheese and a pastry. I went to the starting point of the tour just outside downtown Manila. There were several tourists from China and Europe.
Walled City, Fort Santiago
Right in the heart of Manila is the Walled City – Intramuros. IT was constructed in 1571, during the period of Spain’s colonization of the Philippines and consisted of several European style architecture. The site is a timeless journey through forts and dungeons, old churches, colonial houses, and horse-drawn carriages. Marking its entrance at the northwestern tip, Fort Santiago is one of the oldest fortifications of Intramuros.
San Agustin Church
One of the four Philippine Baroque Churches inscribed in UNESCO’s World Heritage List, the oldest stone church in Metro Manila was built in 1586 and completed in 1606. An intricately carved door opens to the church. Somehow this colonial church reminded me a lot of Peru, especially Lima.
Japanese garden in Rizal Park
Considered as one of the largest parks in Southeast Asia. For 74 years, it was used as an executing ground by the Spaniards for Filipino rebels and mutineers.
Malacañang Palace / Museum
Malacañang Palace is considered to be one of the most historic structures in the Philippines. It has been the official residence of the highest chief executive of the country since 1863. Located next to the
Sapin-Sapin
I had some delicious desserts after lunch and dinner and it seems that Filipinos have a sweet tooth. Sapin Sapin is a Filipino rice-based delicacy, sprinkled with latik — latik is the reduction of coconut milk until all of the liquid has evaporated. Halo-halo is a cold dessert made with shaved ice, milk and sugar with typical ingredients including coconut, caramel custard, jackfruit, red beans etc. Sort of a big sundae – a calorie bomb which will definitely help to catch some sleep on the plane.
Halo-Halo
This short and quick trip to Manila was wonderful. Too bad it was restricted to an urban area, I heard wonderful stories about the beaches and the countryside and inshallah some day I’ll go there! Thanks Anil for this unique opportunity to fantasize a trip. 🙂
Disclaimer: I haven’t been to Philippines so I don’t know anything about the country first hand. All the social commentaries are based on information, stereotypes and hypothetical situations.
[Photo credits: Wikipedia]
Read part 2 of Anil’s imaginary travel to Saint Petersburg
Hmm…this was much less ambitious than the first post. Seems like you played it safe.
Come on, 89% isn’t all that bad, in fact, it was quite good!
Yeah 😀 I played it safe. It’s so tempting to slip into social commentary!
Hi Priyank! That’s an interesting story and a wonderful concept!! Well thought, the imaginary travel…
The Republic of Uzupis. Never heard? Blogtrotter has it for you… 😉 Enjoy and have a great weekend!
Thanks Trotter, hope you had a good weekend too!
[…] the other has, and compare our perceptions and expectations with reality. You can read about his second day in Manila and later this month he’ll dissect my trip to St. Petersburg. Here is Part 1 of my imaginary […]
I can’t wait to share some Filipino foods that are the opposite of halo-halo. For all of their delicious foods there are some that well…are interesting to say the least.
Great post, hopefully you do get to go one day. Manila is a great city and the wide expanse of the country means there is *alot* to do.
🙂 Yes, perhaps in your part 2/2! I definitely want to travel to East/South-East Asia some day. I haven’t been there…
i ‘ve been in Philippines in 2001, obviously the facilities in the above pictures are much better today, halo-halo is great, you cannot miss it out!
Thanks Tours, and welcome to my blog.
Believe it or not, the only place I have been to that you mentioned was Rizal Park. I know, I have been thinking of touring my own country, it’s a shame that I have been to other places but have an amateur knowledge of my own origins.
And if you get a chance, you should try the sapin-sapin. It is heavenly. And halo-halo is very easy to make: just get an ice shaver. All the ingredients are available in pretty much any Western supermarket.
Oh that’s normal. How many times have I visited the Gateway of India (icon of Bombay)? Twice, or thrice in my 25 years of living there! Ditto about CN Tower in Toronto, its been 2.5 years for me here.
I will let you make those delicacies when we meet. 😉
Cool concept, what beautiful buildings, love the church, getting excited about checking out some of the Chinese temples and such.
Thanks Bob!
No worries, Priyank! I’m from Manila, and I can tell you that you are spot-on! After all, travel is not exactly rocket science! It’s an art and it’s personal and it’s one thing in life you are allowed to just dream about! Hope you and Anil get to Manila soon!!
Hi Jennifer!
Welcome to my blog and thanks for the comment! I like your philosophy and I agree, its an art and everyone enjoy’s travels differently. Cheers!
Inshallah you’ll get a chance to be in the Philippines.
hehehe, I knew you’d notice that 😛 Thanks!